There’s plenty to do and experience when taking a Disney vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort. But sometimes, you’d welcome a break from the Disney Parks and Resorts. You may want to escape the crowds. Alternatively, you want to try a new restaurant. Or you want to explore somewhere new.
If any of the above sounds like you, then we have just the place you need to visit. You can experience all of these things within ten minutes of Walt Disney World. Additionally, you’ll be exploring somewhere that has close links to The Walt Disney Company.
Celebration
Celebration is a charming town located in Osceola County, Florida. It is close to Lake Buena Vista. The Walt Disney Company originally developed this master-planned community in the 1990s. Michael Eisner, CEO of The Walt Disney Company at the time, was keen on the development of Celebration. The Disney Development Company was established to help develop a town that would continue the Disney legacy.
The development of Celebration was viewed as extending Walt Disney’s vision of EPCOT – an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Celebration Village, West Village, and Lake Evelyn were the first parts of the town to open in 1996. Later, other parts of the town opened, including the North Village, South Village, West Village, and Aquila Reserve. In 2001, Celebration was named the “New Community of the Year” by the Urban Land Institute.
Historical American towns inspire the design of the town and its buildings. The streets are lined with trees, making them the ideal place for Guests and residents to take a stroll. There is a mix of houses, from grand estate-style houses to compact condos. You’ll see pretty street signs, fountains, and other unique details as you explore. Michael Beirut, a graphic designer, was hired by Disney to design the community elements of Celebration.
The town center welcomes Guests with a mix of shops and restaurants. Market Street and Front Street are where you can browse and dine. Lake Rianhard can be found at the end of Market Street. Follow the lakeside path from Lakeside Park and enjoy a picturesque stroll. Add a little distance to your walk, and follow the boardwalk path that leads to Lake Evalyn.
Getting There
Celebration is connected to a street of the Walt Disney World Resort, World Drive. Guests who have access to a car can follow World Drive through the Walt Disney World welcome sign and pass the ESPN Wide World of Sports. Celebration Boulevard is at the end of World Drive.
Alternatively, Guests can use Lyft or Uber to travel to and from Celebration. Prices and times will vary depending on the time of travel and driver availability.
Reasons We Love To Visit
There are several reasons why you should visit Celebration. Here’s why we love to visit, when visiting Walt Disney World.
Annual Events
If you enjoy annual celebrations in the Disney Parks, you’ll also appreciate those in Celebration. Now Snowing is a month-long celebration that takes place in December. Other events during the year include Falltoberfest in October, Celebration Exotic Car Festival in April, and other fun events to enjoy.
Great Food
There are several restaurants to eat at in Celebration. Visitor favorites include the Celebration Town Tavern, Lakeside Bar and Grill, and Downtown Diner Celebration. Alternatively, the Cornerstone Market & Deli, Upper Crust Pizza, or Fortuna Bakery & Cafe are great places to stop for a quick bite.
Cute Shops
The downtown Celebration is where you will find cute shops to browse. Pick up a souvenir to remember your visit. The Market Street Gallery is where you can purchase a Christmas decoration, or two, all year round. You can even pick up treats for your four-legged friends back home at the Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Celebration.
Celebration Farmers Market
Every Sunday, the Farmers Market takes place in the heart of Celebration. Local sellers line Market Street and Front Street, selling unique items. You’ll want to visit between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to have the opportunity to make a purchase.
Bike Tours
You can explore Celebration by bike if you want to rest your feet and legs. Bicycles are available to hire around the town for a small fee. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of Celebration. Alternatively, Guests can book a guided tour with Celebration Bike Rental Tours & More.
Quaint Streets
We especially love to visit Celebration around Halloween or Christmas. Visit in the evening and grab a bite to eat. Then, stroll around the residential streets, admiring the decorated houses. Similarly, this is a great thing to do, even if your Disney vacation doesn’t coincide with these holidays. We love to visit in the morning before it gets too hot. Stop for breakfast before digesting with a stroll. Alternatively, take a walk first, then enjoy lunch in one of the great restaurants.
Mickey Mouse Power Pole
The Mickey Mouse Power Pole is located on the outskirts of Celebration. It can be seen from the I-4 but is also visible by Guests traveling to Celebration via World Drive. Keep a lookout to the right as you approach Celebration, and you won’t miss it.
Golf
If any of your party enjoys a round of golf, then the Celebration Golf Club Course is one to play. Book your tee time on the website.
Hotels
Are you considering staying somewhere new? Celebration is just a short drive from the Walt Disney World Resort. This makes it a great place to consider staying. The Celebration Hotel overlooks Lake Rianhard, providing direct access to the Celebration town center. Meanwhile, Guests looking to stay in a Resort hotel can consider the Melia Orlando Celebration Hotel.
Make sure you include a visit to Celebration during your next Disney trip. You won’t be disappointed!
